"A need?"

RANSVESTIA

"Exactly."

Harry, confused

we're much alike there

gropes for absent rea-

sons: “But if you're not intrested in going to bed with a man . . .

"True

―

" interjected.

"... why do you want the operation?"

"I don't know.”

"It's a fantasy!"

"No, Harry, it's not a fantasy

fantasy floats through the mind

a winged thought . . . daydream. . . wish . . . flowers. A need is real . . physical... pressing... surging- I can feel a need... excruciating. . . lovely promise. A real need-like hunger."

"Then have the operation" Harry devil-advocating.

"Probably never will."

"Why not?"

Don't know again something keeps me from it . . . says to wait a while. The need and its deterrent are both inside me Harry they fight . . . which will win! My common sense sides with the no.”

"You're getting maudlin—" into his coffee.

"Sorry Harry. Let's play Scribbage. I'll clobber you... vent my anger that way.

Shaking the carboard cup...tossing the cubes... words form easily and Harry feigns not-trying when I start winning by a mile. Laughing... enjoying each other... selves lost in living joy. A glance at the clock. ten... better leave.

... Time I left, Harry."